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Talking and listening to the experiences and impressions of others I have concluded that everyone has a favorite muscle group, that I’d like to put that muscle is most pronounced. The vast majority asks me and is interested in the side crunches – EXTERNAL oblique abdominal muscles. We will explain the anatomy of these muscles, exercises to strengthen it and a couple of tricks in order to be more pronounced.

The external oblique muscle is located on the side and front parts of the abdomen. For most people, is not visible due to the subcutaneous adipose tissue and small size of muscle. Today people make mistakes because they devote more attention to strengthening the central abdominal wall with no or very little commitment on the side of the abdominal wall. The weak side muscles of the abdominal wall leading to deformities of the spine, curves back, pain in the lumbar region and imbalance of the entire muscular musculature. These muscles are very important, and many of those who engaged in their sport have frequent rotation of troops in relation to the lower body (tennis, judo …).

There are exercises without load and with load side abs to strengthen muscles. Exercises without load are designed for beginners and later when the muscles can be strengthened to switch to resistance exercises. Here are a few suggestions:

Bicycle Crunches

Observe full rotation of troops, in addition to going to the left elbow right knee and touch it, and vice versa with the deflections of the hull and legs, hands are crossed at the back. 2 sets of 12-20 repetitions each side.

Side Plank

Enduring the side plank position. A tight the whole musculature, the focus is on the abdomen, lower back, legs stretched. 2 sets each side of 10-30 seconds.

Russian twist (with and without the ball)

Hull and feet were lifted off relying on the buttock with his hands crossed on his chest. The rotation of troops on both sides along the touching surfaces with crossed hands (ie the ball). 2 series 10-20 rotation in each direction.

Standing dumbbell side bends

With weight in one hand and another hand behind the nape, drawing freehand – elbow down and forced opening of this without bending the arms. 2 sets of 10-20 repetitions each side.

Cable lift

With one hand grasping for the lower cable with the use of opposing lateral muscles make tilt in the opposite direction. 3 sets each side, 10-20 repetitions.

Hanging oblique raise

Hang out on the shaft, deflections banded or straight legs toward the trunk of one and half way across, focus on fixed hull. 3 sets of each party, 8-15 reps.

Russian twist with barbell / standing Russian twist

Rotating troops standing with the bar at one end fixed to the floor. Rotating in one or another side, arms extended with a grip at one end rods, rotation of troops from lowering the end of the rod to the hook and return the other way, slightly bending arms at the elbows, knees slightly bent during the rotation with a vertical rise opposite the heel of the hand rotation. 3 sets of 10-20 repetitions to each side.

The lateral abdominal muscles do not need to train every day, it is sufficient to 2-3 times a week, do 3-4 exercises. Like any other muscle and the external oblique muscle side next to the appropriate forms of exercises and increases sufficient intake of proteins that are the building component of muscle. Another important thing is the diet that is the removal of fat to muscle was as pronounced. In addition to diet and proper nutrition is necessary and appropriate cardio (running, cycling, rowing) at least 20 minutes to cause decomposition of fat deposits and fat burning.